The elevator hummed softly as it carried Lucas to the top floor of the penthouse.
As the metal door closed, the illusion of control he had forced all day began to crack. His reflection in the mirror was tense, his jaw clenched, his eyes dark, and something wild lurking within.
He had spent hours trying to bury the memory of Erven, trying to drown out the sound of the omega's breathing, the softness of his body shivering, his scent that should have made Lucas sick but somehow dragged the most ferocious instincts within him out of their confines.
It failed.
Not even a minute had passed.
By the time the elevator stopped, Lucas's pulse was beating hot and restless.
The penthouse was quiet.
Too quiet.
He opened the door.
And as soon as he stepped inside, he felt it—Erven's scent, subtle, soft, almost imperceptible… but enough to tug at his nerves, enough to ignite something in his chest.
Lucas's breath caught.
For the first time since he had left, this space felt like home.
And he hated that.
He hated how much he missed her.
Lucas walked slowly, his eyes scanning the living room, the kitchen, and the dark hallway to the guest room where Erven usually slept.
Then A creaking sound.
Lucas's body reacted faster than his mind—hot, tense, instincts sharpened like blades. He followed the sound and turned.
Then he stopped.
Erven stood by the window, a towel around his neck, his hair still wet. He wore only a loose shirt that fell to his thighs. His skin was soft in the light, still faintly visible from the night. The signs Lucas remembered all too clearly.
Erven stiffened as he realized his presence.
Then he turned.
Their eyes met.
And the space seemed to stop moving.
A pull.
A spark.
A breathless silence.
Erven: "Lucas..."
Erven's voice trembled, small, cautious.
Hearing his name from those lips almost destroyed his remaining control.
Lucas stepped closer, slowly but fervently.
Lucas: "Did you read the note?"
Erven looked away.
Erven: "I did."
Lucas: "And?"
Erven: "You said you didn't mean to hurt me."
His voice cracked a little.
Erven:"But you hurt me anyway."
Lucas's jaw tightened. He was ready to be angry. Ready to be scared.
But the disappointment in Erven's voice… it pierced much deeper than he had expected.
He moved closer again—slowly, giving Erven room to back off.
But Erven didn't move.
Lucas said slowly, hoarsely,
Lucas: "If I could take back that night… I would."
Erven chuckled—bitterly.
Erven: "Really? Or are you just sorry I cried?"
Lucas's moans stopped. The words shattered the last defenses within him.
He raised his hand—slowly, carefully—and touched Erven's jaw.
The omega flinched, but didn't pull away.
Lucas:"I'm sorry I lost control,"
Lucas whispered.
Lucas:"It wasn't you."
Erven's eyes widened, shaking, confused.
Lucas came closer again—close enough to feel the warmth of Erven's body, close enough for the soft scent to creep onto his skin and set a fire along his spine.
Erven: "Why... why did you come back?" Erven asked, slowly, timidly.
Lucas didn't hesitate.
Lucas: "Because missing you is worse."
Erven's breath hitched.
Lucas stroked his cheek.
Lucas: "Tell me to go. Just say it... I'll go."
Erven looked up.
His eyes watered.
His chest rose and fell slowly.
His lips parted slightly—hesitant, but not moving away.
His body leaned forward, just a little... but enough to make Lucas's heart pound against his ribs.
Erven:"I... I'm not sure what I want,"
Erven whispered.
Erven:"You scare me."
Lucas closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.
Lucas:"I'm scared of myself when I get involved with you."
Something hot seized the space between them—between fear, desire, and longing.
Lucas:"But if you let me touch you… it won't be like that night."
Lucas's voice was low, honest.
Erven swallowed.
Erven: "Then… why are you looking at me like—like you're so hungry?"
Lucas moved a little closer, his voice dark, deep, creeping into Erven's skin.
Lucas: "Because I'm really hungry."
His hand went up to the back of Erven's neck, not forcing—just touching.
Erven shivered, his knees almost giving way.
Erven:"Lucas…"
Lucas:"Don't run away from me," he muttered.
Lucas: "Not tonight."
Erven opened his lips, his breath coming in short gasps. "If I say yes… what do you want?"
Lucas looked down, his lips almost touching Erven's ear.
Lucas:"I want you close."
Erven took a small breath.
Lucas:"I want to smell you on my skin."
The omega shivered.
Lucas: "And I want to feel you breathing near me… without fear."
Erven: "Why… me?" Erven asked, his voice cracking a little.
Lucas pressed his forehead to Erven's.
Lucas: "Because you're the only omega who doesn't poison me.
The only one who pulls me in... not knocks me down.
The only one my body knows."
Erven's breath trembled—soft, neglected, but wanting.
Lucas felt it.
And for the first time... he didn't fight back.
Erven: "Lucas..." Erven's call changed—no fear.
Just heat, confusion, and an unspoken answer.
Lucas lifted Erven's chin slowly.
Lucas: "Let me show you... I can touch you without destroying you."
Erven nodded—small, hesitant, but honest.
Lucas breathed slowly, his voice dark, dense, full of promise.
Lucas: "Come here, omega."
And Erven stepped into his embrace.